The L.A. teacher strike may be over, but observers warn there’s no ‘clear path forward’ for how the school district can afford its new contract

The L.A. Unified school board has approved a contractwith its teachers union that officials admit they can’t fully afford,calling the deal’s sustainability into question as the district receives repeated warnings from the county that it’s in severe financial straits.

To shoulder about $840 million in added costs through 2021, district officials say they’re largely relying on more state funding and a 2020 California tax referendum — neither of which are guaranteed. District board members could also float a parcel tax, though it’s been unpopular in the past.Short-term fixes so far include cuts to the central office and the reassignment of some funds within the budget, a spokeswoman said by email.

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